Exploring the Complexity and Versatility of Non-Tonal Sounds

Continuing our exploration of sound, having scrutinized tones, the human voice, and drum sounds, we arrive at a fascinating category of entirely non-tonal sounds: cymbals.

Cymbals, like drums, are percussive instruments. However, unlike drums, cymbals are thin plates of metal that are struck with beaters such as drumsticks or brushes. This striking action results in the cymbal's vibrations, which in turn, produce highly complex patterns of frequencies. This complexity is the root of their non-tonal nature; they don't produce a clean, singular note like a guitar string or a flute, but rather, a broad cascade of overlapping frequencies.

Cymbals generate sound across the entire frequency spectrum. Yet, the concentration of their energy primarily resides in the treble range. This is especially true for smaller, lighter cymbals such as hi-hats or splash cymbals, which are known for their crisp, high-frequency response.

Conversely, larger cymbals, including ride cymbals, crash cymbals, and especially gongs, tend to focus more of their energy in the midrange frequencies. These cymbals generate a fuller, more resonant sound that can sustain for an extended period after the initial strike.

Intriguingly, there's also evidence suggesting that cymbals generate substantial sonic energy beyond the human hearing range. Given that their frequency energy doesn't seem to diminish significantly near 20kHz - the upper limit of average human hearing - it's plausible that cymbals produce ultrasonic frequencies. While these frequencies are not directly audible to us, they could potentially interact with the audible frequencies in complex ways, contributing to the overall sound of the cymbal.

Because cymbals are so rich in treble energy, they offer an invigorating, bright sound that cuts through other instruments in a music mix, providing the 'sparkle' or 'sizzle' often heard in music recordings. They serve critical roles in musical expression and rhythm keeping, and their sound can range from subtle accents to powerful crashes, demonstrating the versatility and importance of these non-tonal instruments in music.